Interview with V.R. Biwott & a Giveaway

If you’re a Romance and Mystery fan, you’re going to enjoy today’s interview with V.R. Biwott. Be sure to scroll to the comments section below and leave a comment by Tuesday, February 11, to enter the giveaway for a copy of Secrets: Hidden Legacies. (US winner’s choice of an ebook or paperback. Ebook if the winner is international.)

Welcome to the Hope-filled Fiction blog, V.R. Please start off by telling us how and when you started writing.

I’ve kept a journal since I was a little girl, using it to capture my thoughts and experiences—both good and bad. However, I began writing books in 2022 after realizing I couldn’t find a Christian romance novel that tackled the challenging topics I was grappling with and wanted to read about. After praying about it, I decided to write the story I was looking for!

That’s a great reason to write a book! How do you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing?

I start by giving my characters seemingly insurmountable challenges. I want readers to feel the weight of hopelessness and think, “How is this ever going to work out?” Then, I show that healing is possible—not easily, but through a process that feels genuine and true to life.

Sounds like a good way to go about it. What is the premise of Secrets: Hidden Legacies?

My book explores the lasting impact of truth and legacy across generations. It follows Loretta, a former slave who defied the odds to build immense wealth and influence while hiding dangerous secrets in a journal. More than a century later, her hidden truths resurface just as Josh and Sheila’s marriage is on the brink of collapse.

Ooh, that’s intriguing! What’s one of your favorite quotes from the book?

“You may be tempted to judge me and label me in a word, maybe two. But if you keep reading, you’ll find that I can’t be boxed up in a word or two—and that it truly takes a book written by me to fully understand how a woman from enslaved beginnings could become one of the most wealthy and powerful women this country has ever seen.”

I’m cheering for her already! What was the hardest scene to write?

The hardest scene to write was the HUGE argument between Josh and Sheila. Every time I read it, it still hurts my feelings—and I’m the one who wrote it! It’s such a gut-wrenching argument. The words that were said not only tore at my emotions but had the same effect on others who’ve read it.

Emotional scenes are definitely difficult to put on the page. What do you hope your readers take away from Secrets: Hidden Legacies?

There’s always a story behind the story. You may wonder, “How can someone think this way!?” or “How can someone do that!?” But if we understand their story or upbringing, we may be able to understand (not necessarily agree with) where that person is coming from.

So true. Who is your favorite fiction author? Favorite novel?

Francine Rivers, most definitely! The Mark of the Lion series is by far the best set of books I have read. No book has made me cry like hers.

That series is one of my all-time favorites, too! So good. How many unpublished and unfinished manuscripts do you have? Any plans to pursue publication for any of them?

I probably have at least 20-30 versions of this book. My initial manuscript was about 150k words! I plan to use some of the unused material for book two. However, book one is written in a way that it can easily stand alone.

Do you enjoy marketing and social media? Which platform are you most active on?

I enjoy creating content for TikTok and Facebook, especially jokes with a purpose. I love sharing humor that leads to a meaningful spiritual message. You can find me on Facebook under my author name, V.R. Biwott, and on TikTok as Nurse2Novelist. I’m a nurse as well. 🙂

Humor is a great way to break down barriers with people. Has a reader ever blessed your socks off? How?

Oh, my goodness, yes! One day, I was feeling discouraged because my book sales were going up and down like the stock market. I was letting doubts enter my head and felt like giving up on marketing altogether. Then someone I knew left me a voicemail telling me she had just finished listening to the audio version of the book and thoroughly enjoyed it! She told me how much she loved how the narrator brought each character to life and that she was going to recommend it to a lot of people.

I told her how discouraged I had been feeling before her voicemail and how timely it was. She then reminded me that I’m an unknown author and success takes time. Her encouragement felt like God’s way of telling me to keep going.

Love it! What’s next from you?

After a little breather, Lord willing, a second book! I’m researching historical documents in preparation!

I wish you the best on your continued writing journey, V.R.! Thanks so much for sharing on my blog this week. 

Join the conversation. Are you a Romance and Mystery fan? Does the premise of V.R.’s book intrigue you? Do you enjoy emotionally charged novels? What questions or comments do you have for V.R.?

Be sure to comment below by February 11 for a chance to win V.R.’s book! (US winner’s choice of an ebook or paperback. Ebook if the winner is international.)

Secrets: Hidden Legacies by V.R. Biwott

Click the book cover for purchase link

Some truths are too powerful to stay hidden.

Loretta, a former slave in the pre-Civil War South, defied the odds, amassing wealth and influence that no one of her status was supposed to achieve. Yet, behind her success lay secrets, ones she carefully recorded in a hidden journal—truths too dangerous to share during her lifetime.

Over a century later, Josh and Sheila’s marriage teeters on the edge after a devastating fight that shakes the foundations of their faith. While grappling with the fallout, Josh uncovers Loretta’s hidden journal—a discovery that reveals a shattering truth. This revelation forces Josh and Sheila to confront the buried past as they wrestle with whether love and faith can survive the weight of long-hidden secrets.

If you enjoy faith-based novels with authentic, relatable characters, clean romance with just the right amount of passion, and stories that leave a lasting impact, this is the book you’ve been waiting for.

V.R. Biwott is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, passionate about serving others and spreading the message of faith. Her extensive travels across Africa and Europe have allowed her to explore rich cultures and diverse landscapes, offering her a unique perspective on the world. These global experiences, coupled with living in a diverse community, have profoundly enriched her life, broadening her views and deepening her understanding of diverse perspectives.

Homeschooled from a young age, V.R. Biwott developed a strong foundation in self-discipline, curiosity, and a love for learning—qualities that have been crucial in both her personal and professional endeavors.

Happily married and a dedicated parent, she is deeply committed to nurturing her children’s faith and guiding them in the principles of love, service, and respect for all people.

Connect with V.R.: Facebook / TikTok

Please share V.R.’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her book!

If you missed Susan G. Mathis’s interview last week, FIND IT HERE.